CHICAGO – Just in time for Pride Month, Strawdog Theatre Co. presents an updated staging of the Oscar Wilde classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Strawdog policy … the tickets are FREE (donations encouraged), but you must put in a reservation by clicking EARNEST.
June 2024
Tribeca2024: Award Winning Films Define the Tribeca Indie Tradition
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 19, 2024 - 10:41amNEW YORK – Last week, the competition awards were conferred at the (click) Tribeca Festival and the top narrative films were “Griffin in Summer” (U.S.) and “Bikechess” (International). While different in story arc, both films involved individuals facing a truth they inherently knew but never expected to encounter.
Tribeca2024: That’s a Wrap with ‘The Sopranos’ & Bobby De Niro
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 18, 2024 - 5:28pmNEW YORK – It’s over, but the memories echo. The 23rd edition of the Tribeca Festival wrapped up on June 16th, 2024, but not without a sendoff celebrating Melissa Etheridge’s new documentary, the 25th Anniversary retrospect of the iconic series, “The Sopranos,” and a nod to fest co-founder/savior of democracy Robert De Niro.
Audio Film Review: The Mechanical Landscape of ‘Robot Dreams’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2024 - 4:54pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Robot Dreams,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters, including Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center.
Mechanical Landscape! Audio Film Review of ‘Robot Dreams’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2024 - 4:51pm Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Robot Dreams,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters, including Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center.
Audio Film Review: Turn On & Illuminate in ‘Ghostlight'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2024 - 11:11amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Ghostlight,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters since June 14th.
Turn On & Illuminate! Audio Film Review of ‘Ghostlight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2024 - 11:08am Rating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Ghostlight,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters since June 14th.
Theater Review: Strawdog’s Updated Staging of 'Earnest' is Prideful
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 17, 2024 - 10:36amCHICAGO – Just in time for Pride Month, Strawdog Theatre Co. presents an updated staging of the Oscar Wilde classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Strawdog policy … the tickets are FREE (donations encouraged), but you must put in a reservation by clicking EARNEST.
Audio Film Review: ‘Treasure’ Involves Dad & Remembrance
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2024 - 8:10pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Treasure,” a feature film pairing the odd couple acting of Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry, as a daughter and father trying to bond in the backdrop of his memories of Auschwitz. Currently in theaters since June 14th.
Dad & Remembrance! Audio Film Review of ‘Treasure’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2024 - 8:07pm Rating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Treasure,” a feature film pairing the odd couple acting of Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry, as a daughter and father trying to bond in the backdrop of his memories of Auschwitz. Currently in theaters since June 14th.
On-Air Film Review: Don’t You Forget About the Pack in ‘Brats’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2024 - 7:32pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 13th, reviewing “Brats,” a new documentary about the infamous “Brat Pack” of the 1980s, directed by Pack member Andrew McCarthy. Streaming on HULU since June 13th.
Don’t You Forget About Them! On-Air Film Review of ‘Brats’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2024 - 7:30pmRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 13th, reviewing “Brats,” a new documentary about the infamous “Brat Pack” of the 1980s, directed by Pack member Andrew McCarthy. Streaming on HULU since June 13th.
Audio Film Review: Between the Daze in A24’s ‘Tuesday’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2024 - 11:07amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Tuesday,” the debut directorial effort of filmmaker Daina Oniunas-Pusić and featuring the continued performance growth and evolution of actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Currently in theaters since June 14th.
Between the Daze! Audio Film Review of A24's ‘Tuesday’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2024 - 11:04amRating: 4.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Tuesday,” the debut directorial effort of filmmaker Daina Oniunas-Pusić and featuring the continued performance growth and evolution of actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Currently in theaters since June 14th.
Tribeca2024: Best U.S. Narrative Film at Fest is ‘Griffin in Summer’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2024 - 8:56amNEW YORK – The 23rd annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, today announced the winners in its competition categories at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC. The top honors went to “Griffin in Summer” for the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, “Bikechess” for Best International Narrative Feature, and “Hacking Hate” for Best Documentary Feature.
Film Review: ‘Inside Out 2’ is Sophisticated & Thoughful Movie Magic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2024 - 7:42amCHICAGO –Pixar Studios rediscovers some of its movie magic with the thoughtful and sophisticated “Inside Out 2.” It’s the sequel that doesn’t feel like a retread of what came before but instead is a natural progression of the story we’re already invested in … as early adolescence and puberty arrive to crash the kid party.
Sophisticated & Thoughtful ‘Inside Out 2’ is Movie Magic
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 14, 2024 - 7:39amRating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO –Pixar Studios rediscovers some of its movie magic with the thoughtful and sophisticated “Inside Out 2.” It’s the sequel that doesn’t feel like a retread of what came before but instead is a natural progression of the story we’re already invested in … as early adolescence and puberty arrive to crash the kid party.
Podtalk: Vivian Kerr is the Writer, Director and Lead Actor of ‘Scrap’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2024 - 3:12pmCHICAGO – “Scrap” is a scrappy new film that is building anticipation through the film festival circuit. The writer, director and lead actor of “Scrap” is Vivian Kerr, and it also features familiar character actors Anthony Rapp and Lana Parrilla. The release date for this set-in-Los Angeles family drama is to be determined.
Tribeca2024: Gyllenhaal, Johnson & Cohen are Not a Law Firm
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 13, 2024 - 9:00amNEW YORK – They’re celebrities, silly, and they were on the Red Carpet at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. Jake Gyllenhaal was representing his new miniseries on Apple TV+ called “Presumed Innocent.” It was Dakota Johnson talking about her highly anticipated film “Daddio.” And finally, Andy Cohen talking about talking with Anderson Cooper.
Tribeca2024: Films at Tribeca Fest Contain Themes of Transitions
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 12, 2024 - 9:00amNEW YORK – It’s the middle of the 23rd Tribeca Film Festival and the narrative feature films … with an emphasis on the independent … are in competition. Themes of transition are strong in this year’s line-up, as story tellers have emerged from the pandemic years, and the reflections thereafter.
Podtalk: Alex Thompson & Kelly O’Sullivan on Their Film ‘Ghostlight’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 11, 2024 - 10:14amCHICAGO – Two of the finest filmmakers who have roots in Chicago (college) are Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan. After Kelly wrote the acclaimed “Saint Frances” with Alex directing, their second film is a co-directing effort that is a brilliant meditation on finding one’s self after loss, and doing it through … acting.
Tribeca2024: First Weekend Tribeca Film Fest is Star Studded
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 10, 2024 - 10:48amNEW YORK – The first weekend of the 23rd Tribeca Film Festival made all the right Red Carpet moves with the Opening Night featuring Diane Furstenberg, the “Brat Pack” doc director Andrew McCarthy on Friday, and legendary rocker Steven Van Zandt on Saturday. For all information, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.
Slideshow, Interviews: Red Carpet Portraits at Chicago Intl Film Festival Gala, June 1, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 9, 2024 - 8:08pmCHICAGO – The Red Carpet was for rock … er, cinema … stars at the the 60th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) Summer Gala, and the directors, actors and film VIPs were present and feted. Patrick McDonald and Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com were also there, and got the stars to pose and talk.
Theater Review: Raven Theatre’s ‘The Prodigal Daughter’ is HerStory
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 9, 2024 - 10:41amCHICAGO – One of the open secrets of Chicago is its horrible racist past, which remains like an echo. Playwright Joshua Allen has been exploring this theme in his Grand Boulevard Trilogy – the last chapter talking place during the infamous 1919 race riots – in Raven Theatre’s “The Prodigal Daughter.” For tickets and info, click TPD.
Exclusive Portrait: Al Roker at 60th Chicago Intl Film Festival Gala
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 8, 2024 - 10:02amCHICAGO – I have a new appreciation for Al Roker. Already acknowledged as a famous weatherman and TV host, the “Today Show” staple can add raucous comedian to his resume, as indicated by his hosting duties at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Summer Gala on June 1st, 2024. He killed, as they say.
Exclusive Portraits: John C. Reilly at 60th Chicago Intl Film Festival Gala
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2024 - 1:16pm- 60th
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Boogie Nights
- Chicago
- Chicago International Film Festival
- CIFF
- Exclusive Photo
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- HollywoodChicago.com Content
- Joe Arce
- John C. Reilly
- Kong: Skull Island
- Marty
- Mr. Cellophane
- Patrick McDonald
- Stanley Kowalski
- Summer Gala
- Tim & Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie
- Wreck-It Ralph
CHICAGO – You’ll never hear a better speech about the actor’s gratitude for his hometown than John C. Reilly’s proclamation at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Summer Gala on June 1st, 2024. He brought the house down with emotional and passionate words about his journey that began in the Windy City.
On-Air Film Review: The Hits Keep Coming for Netflix’s ‘Hit Man’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2024 - 11:02amCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 6th, reviewing “Hit Man,” featuring Glen Powell (also co-writer) and directed by Richard Linklater (“School of Rock”). Streaming on Netflix beginning June 7th.
And the Hits Keep Coming! On-Air Film Review of ‘Hit Man’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 7, 2024 - 10:56amRating: 3.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 6th, reviewing “Hit Man,” featuring Glen Powell (also co-writer) and directed by Richard Linklater (“School of Rock”). Streaming on Netflix beginning June 7th.
Pride2024: Jerry Nunn, Co-Sponsor of 1st LGBTQ+ Critic’s Choice Celebration, June 7, 2024
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2024 - 12:14pmCHICAGO – When one of Chicago’s own critic/entertainment reporters is instrumental in achieving a LGBTQ+ celebration during Pride Month, it’s a cause for OUR PRIDE. Jerry Nunn is that achiever, and he will oversee … as Co-Sponsor and Programmer … the Inaugural Critic’s Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television on June 7th, 2024, at the Los Angeles Fairmont Hotel. Besides the creme of presenters and honorees scheduled for the event, it is Jerry who spearheaded the effort to make this celebration happen.
Film Review: ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ on the Road to Nowhere
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2024 - 9:15amCHICAGO –“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the fourth in this series, is a big budget clunker that’s clearing coasting on fumes. A wheezy Martin Lawrence, and a post-slap Will Smith, are trying to recapture some of their former box office glory by trying to milk their still considerable chemistry for all its worth. The best that can be said is that it’s less of an interminable slog than I thought it would be.
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ are Destined on the Road to Nowhere
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 6, 2024 - 9:12am Rating: 2.5/5.0 |
CHICAGO –“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the fourth in this series, is a big budget clunker that’s clearing coasting on fumes. A wheezy Martin Lawrence, and a post-slap Will Smith, are trying to recapture some of their former box office glory by trying to milk their still considerable chemistry for all its worth. The best that can be said is that it’s less of an interminable slog than I thought it would be.
